Cyberhawk Innovations has used a UAS to inspect two concrete pressurized water reactor containment domes for American Electric Power (AEP) at the Cook Nuclear Plant in Michigan, the company announced on 30 November.
Traditionally, such inspections involve a man basket with a 180ft crane, while Cyberhawk inspected both domes in a week, with minimal site disruption and significant cost savings.
The UAS inspection method involved capturing images of 100% of the dome surface to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code standards, with the results digitised into a 3D point cloud that will allow direct digital comparison for any future inspections.
A detailed hazard and operability in the project work up allowed the AEP and Cyberhawk team to overcome various operational challenges, including working around other scheduled projects.
Chris Fleming, CEO at Cyberhawk, said: ‘It’s important to remember that while UAVs can collect a huge volume of data, a high-quality engineering report is what makes all the difference. This allows the client to easily assess the condition of the structure and plan any maintenance based on the data.
‘For AEP, the final reports provided 100% visual coverage of the dome with exact sizing of defects and a 3D model of the structure. This was delivered using our cloud based visual asset management system, iHawk, which we continue to develop as our capabilities and client base grows.’
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
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